Finance and Corporate Services Manager – Southern Queensland Landscapes

Southern Queensland Landscapes coordinate, connect, and engage with land managers, community groups, First Nations people and others to learn from each other and work collaboratively to ensure flourishing landscapes and healthy communities. 

The organisation aims to assist communities to be united by sustainable practices, enabled by science and technology and supported by First Nations’ knowledge to improve all life.  

There is a clear focus on delivering sustainable environmental outcomes to improve the lives of people in regional communities now and for the future. 

As part of their ongoing operation, education is a critical element, providing information, education and conducting research on the natural environment or a significant aspect of the natural environment to aid in flourishing landscapes & healthy communities is core to the business focus of Southern Queensland Natural Resources Management Ltd. 

OUR PURPOSE 

To improve the lives of people in regional communities now and for the future.

OUR VISION 

Communities united by sustainable practices, enabled by science and technology, and supported by First Nations’ knowledge, to improve all life.

OUR MISSION 

Connecting and supporting communities to take care of landscapes. 

Organisational Chart

Southern Queensland Landscapes (SQL) is a member based, natural resource management organisation supporting a diverse geographical region that extends west from Toowoomba. It was established in 2018 from the merger of three important natural resource organisations in the region. These separate entities had been in existence for the previous 18 years prior to the merger. 

SQL works closely with local land managers, community leaders and industry professionals to enhance natural resources management efforts to balance productivity and environmental health in the region and further afield, achieving outcomes for regional communities through essential projects, evidence-based resources, connecting people, and creating valuable networks 

With the previous Finance Manager stepping down the financial requirements of the business have been outsourced to an external agency to ensure continuation of service and compliance. This function will return in-house to this position. The IT function and HR function are also currently outsourced and would be managed as part of the corporate services function of this position. Two administration staff will report into this position. 

With a strong values proposition, evolving reputation, and passionate team, the organisation is looking to build on their financial viability and long-term sustainability moving forward. This will be achieved through prudent financial management, best practice financial governance, and in-depth financial analysis and reporting. 

With an existing membership there is opportunity for further development, growth and engagement of members. This growth will be realised through improved membership structure and more formalised methods of communication and engagement. Corporate partnerships are also an area of development within the membership group. This growth will need to be supported by a strong & efficient financial department and corporate services team. 

Stakeholder engagement is critical to the success of the organisation with Local, State & Federal Government actively seeking counsel from the organisation. Navigating funding agreements, acquittals and reporting against these will be a strong focus in this role. 

Moving forward the organisation is strongly focused on brand awareness and developing market. This is achieved by raising awareness of what the membership offers Government and Corporate. And these corporate partnerships where they can affect impact are widespread across multiple sectors including mining, infrastructure, construction, agriculture and Government to name a few. 

The merging of three organisations does not come without challengers and cultural change. There are remaining legacy issues around internal systems and procedures that will require refinement and change.  

Improvement and optimisation of current systems, and process reflecting best practise from a commercial perspective is ongoing and includes file & archival management, document digitisation and efficient use of technology to streamline business. 

Identifying and developing team capabilities is essential for the growth of the corporate services function as well as reviewing and evaluating current service contract agreements to ensure alignment with business objectives.  

There will be travel requirements for this finance manager with an expectation that they will have regional travel once every 6 – 8 weeks as required, to meet the obligations of the board and general business.  

It is envisaged that you will spend 2/3 of your time focused on the financial aspects of the organisation with the remaining 1/3 handling the corporate services component. 

The Finance and Corporate Services Manager will provide leadership to the finance team, ensuring all financial aspects of the organisation meet industry best practice standards as well as leading the corporate services function of the organisation which includes Administration, Facilities and Motor Vehicle Management, Human Resources and IT Services.  

With a degree in Finance, Commerce or equivalent you are CPA or CA qualified with a minimum 2-3 years’ experience in a senior financial leadership / management accounting position. 

Well versed in navigating the government funding environment you have developed and grown multiple funding streams within a previous role and provided expert financial advice to support the organisation ensuring effective and efficient use of resources, compliance with legislation and accounting standards, leading the organisation’s financial stewardship and supporting strategic and operational planning by providing meaningful, accurate and timely financial information, analysis and commentary. 

A multi-faceted role you will have oversight of Compliance, Risk, Financial Modelling and Forecasting. You have experience reporting to the CEO & Board and have sat on Finance committees as well as Governance committees. 

An immersive position – you are pragmatic & practical, happy to roll your sleeves up and work hard to understand the mechanics of the organisation. You have led the financial capabilities of an organisation including reporting, team development, resourcing and review. 

As a member of the Executive Leadership team, you will bring a commercial mindset reporting directly to the CEO. 

Of advantage will be your experience within a rural business, agricultural industry, natural resources or renewables sector demonstrating hands on capabilities and growth strategies including turnaround and transitional expertise delivering high functioning organisations. 

Experienced in developing, growing and leading a team you have a well-tuned EQ, you are professionally mature and competent in having robust and respectful conversations, embracing decisions that are made in the best interest of the organisation. 

Demonstrated experience working through an environment of change, you understand what good change management looks like particularly as a sensitive and thoughtful change manager. 

With a high EQ you understand team dynamics and value culture having promoted positive culture in previous roles. Your people skills are honed to develop strong partnerships and robust, collaborative relationships. The care of people and passion for rural and regional communities is at your core. 

Your endearing nature will cultivate positive relationships developing trust and influence. Bringing an inquisitive nature to the position you actively engage with all stakeholders to see where you can add value and support. Happy to translate financial jargon into a language that is understood by the audience in front of you. 

Proficient across the Microsoft platforms, with advanced excel capabilities you will also be conversant with the XERO accounting software and the Employment Hero software package. 

You are well researched and bring a curious open mindset to identify opportunities that add value to the organisation. As an evidenced based decision maker your detailed analysis of opportunities equips you well to present at Board level, valuing the level of accountability invested in you. 

Above all underlying your financial credentials will be the alignment of vales with the organisation Demonstrating empathy, taking responsible action, being credible, building community and thinking future impact. 

Key responsibilities & accountabilities: 

• Leadership and team development
• Business & financial administration
• Strategy development
• Quality & Compliance
• Stakeholder engagement
• Governance (Company Secretary)

Key responsibilities include: 

• Modelling good leadership to inspire direction and delivery, develop people and drive change and efficiencies in accordance with the SQL Leadership Guides
• Ensuring financial sustainability through coordination of budgeting, cashflow projection and management, analyses, long-term planning and forecast preparation processes to inform management decisions.
• Developing, maintaining and adhering to efficient finance and reporting processes, systems, policies, and guidelines, including maintaining the integrity of the general ledger, managing the annual audit process and ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards.
• Developing relationships with stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Working with all teams to manage resources to maximise impact and balance investments.
• Working proactively as a member of the Executive Leadership Team supporting business case development, including cost and value structures, evaluation and project delivery.
• Leading the Corporate Services function which includes Administration, Facilities and Motor Vehicle Management, Human Resources and IT Services.

Requirements 

• Degree in Finance, Commerce or equivalent, CPA or CA qualified
• Experience with government grants, procurement funding models and an understanding of project management methodologies
• Demonstrated understanding of principles required to run a successful business / business literacy.
• A minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in a management accounting and reporting role, or equivalent, working to the Australian Accounting Standards (AAS), and a commitment to maintain current knowledge and application of AAS.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities, capability to be “hands-on” whilst working to strategic, overarching priorities.
• High-level problem-solving skills with a proven track record of displaying a growth mindset in previous roles, with examples of facing challenges, embracing learning opportunities, and continuous improvement.
• Expert Microsoft Excel skills
• Strong analysis, reporting and communication skills
• Ability to quickly obtain and maintain knowledge of the company’s objectives, performance, projected areas of growth, trends, and general industry conditions and make recommendations.
• Demonstrate an ability to role model the following capabilities from the NRM Leadership Framework:
  • Thinking strategically 
  • Building productive working relationships 
  • Achieving results 
  • Displaying personal drive and integrity 
  • Communicating with influence 

Position description

When submitting your application, ensure your application includes: 

• An up-to-date resume (in Word format) 

• A covering letter (in Word format) outlining your interest and expertise relevant to the role 

Submit your application quoting reference number MCMFCS to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information please contact Mike Conroy on 07 3211 0001. Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day. 

View the live job application and apply here.